Results of the Altamont Fair Photo Competition, 2025 Edition

I suppose I can thank the “unspokenartmedia” social media account for spoiling some of my personal anticipation yesterday.

It’s not their fault. They had no idea. They were simply posting a quick Instagram clip about visiting the Altamont Fair … and pointing out an art piece that they liked.

And when they backed away from the artwork, their camera picked up a clue for me. It showed me that my photo of the CPKC Holiday Train did NOT receive a ribbon this year.

Take a look. Here’s the screenshot. Lower left-hand corner.

Well … at least one mystery is solved. From the vantage point, at least one of my four photos ended up ribbon-less. 😦

I sent them a message, noting that their video had spoiled the surprise, not only for me, but for others who had not yet attended the Fair. The next time I clicked on the video link, they had removed it. But as far as I was concerned, I already knew this wouldn’t be as successful a run at Altamont as I had hoped.

But then again, what can I do about it? Block out all social media until I get to the Fairgrounds? Kinda hard to do these days. In fact, even putting those images on the wall in the first place leaves me open to accidentally glimpsing the results if ANYBODY happened to walk through the Fine Arts Building with their camera phone and posting their experience online.

Again, I shouldn’t be concerned about this. There were over 400 entries this year. Getting on the wall is one thing. Having some sort of positive result is an entirely different concept. It’s not like there are six photos on the wall and five of them have ribbons and the sixth one is mine.

But that being said … I went oh-for last year at Altamont, and I’d kinda not like to have that happen again this year.

I arrived at the Altamont Fairgrounds, and although I went through my usual routine – eating dinner at the nearby food stand Josie’s – and then entered the Fine Arts Barn.

Let’s see how things went.

Yep, there’s the Holiday Train. No ribbon. Well, I already knew that. Thanks, Instagram influencer.

Let’s see if my other color shot received some love.

Damn it. Oh for two.

Maybe the black and white entries have more success this time. How about the horse racing shot Neck and Neck and Neck?

No and no and no.

All I have left is 90 Minutes of Moonlight, my moon trail experimental shot.

And …

Lots of reflections … but no ribbons. Oh-for-2025 at Altamont. Second consecutive ribbonless year at Altamont. Feh.

Again … I can’t be angry. The pictures that DID win ribbons earned them. They’re good images, for sure.

But this year, unfortunately, doesn’t seem to be my year. Shut out at Iowa, shut out at Altamont, with two other shows (three if I do the Durham Fair) going forward.

I just have to find a way to try harder next year.

I can’t give up now.

Not even if some random Instagram influencer spoils all my fun.